A 27-year-old man from Zvishavane was arrested in Beitbridge for allegedly selling 500 grammes of fake gold for US$25 000.
The suspect, Mahomad Katona, appeared before Zvishavane Magistrate Charity Tonongera on Monday last week facing fraud charges.
Prosecuting, Isheanesu Mashayanye said on 22 February 2022, Katona together with an accomplice only identified as Nashy who is still at large devised a plan to defraud the complainant Worship Taurai.
The duo allegedly approached Taurai and misrepresented to him that they were selling 500 grammes of gold at US$25 000.
The complainant became interested in the deal and paid the full amount. He, however, later realised that he had been sold fake gold.
The State further alleged that on 26 May 2022, police detectives received information to the effect that the two accused were spotted in Beitbridge leading to Katona’s arrest.
The total prejudice was US$25 000 and nothing was recovered.
Katona was remanded to 10 June 2022.